I hope Coach Martin pushes the pace more

[zjcvols]

Last year, Martin had to implement his style so much, that he basically abandoned the fastbreak game, which is understandable. Now that Martin's style has been implemented, and the team believes in it, I hope he pushes the pace a little more.

With a talented fastbreak point guard in Trae (who's a very underrated passer), I think that UT could use this to bolster the attack. Last year, the offense could be anemic. With the team buying into more pressure defense (which CCM has said he is going to do this year), then I think that's a great addition to your offense to. Trae can really lead the fastbreak, and he has a couple guys who can run the floor. Despite Kenny's weaknesses, he runs the floor well for a big guy and can finish most dunks and layups. McRae was born to run, as we know. I also think running would get him into a better rhythm offensively. McBee is very good at outside shooting in transition. Richardson is athletic and has a nice mid range jumper that can be effective in transition.

Then, you run your half court set through your bigs (Stokes and Maymon) and the pick and roll with Trae. I'm not asking for a complete philosophical change, nor am I wanting to be more entertained during basketball games. I just think adding a little more tempo during the games could really benefit UT.

 

[Chris4Vols22]

Definitely agree. Golden has that combination of speed, strength, athleticism, and passing ability that could make him deadly in transition. IIRC, this was a big part of his success in HS.

 

[sonofUT62]

I've seen Maymon run the floor and he does surprisingly well with the ball in his hands. Can Stokes run? Is he as good a finisher as Kenny in transition?

 

[zjcvols]

I've seen Maymon run the floor and he does surprisingly well with the ball in his hands. Can Stokes run? Is he as good a finisher as Kenny in transition?

Not sure. Didn't really see it with Stokes or Maymon last year. I remember Kenny's first two years and he ran the floor hard and was active around the rim when UT did push the pace under Pearl.

 

[CAVol]

I think Stokes and Maymon run the floor pretty well too.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Martin has said multiple times, the offense wasn't 100% implicated, not even close in fact. You'll see more fast break, more pick and rolls, more hi/lows, you'll see a more complete offense in general.

He's not dumb, stokes and maymon run well, especially maymon. Hell push the ball to try and get his guys posted low before the defense has a chance to set. Not to mention golden is probably at his best in transition, and if Mcbees out there in transition you have to worry about him.

 

[Kelley_VFL]

Not sure you will see the up tempo game you are looking for. C-Mart likes a motion half court offense and a lock down half court defense. Of course if the guards can cause some TO's in a half court set, I am are he won't mind a few breaks.

 

[dooleydiesel28]

I hope we do run.. Let Maymon and Stokes run the floor and establish position down low or get a drop off for a score. That's what we do at Maryville we allow are big men to get to the block in transition. It's pretty affective.

 

[Shaun1985]

I think we'll see the pace pick up some but not a huge difference. I just don't see Martin running with many teams or pushing the tempo. Although, I sure don't see him calling the dogs off. He seems much more like a players coach than I thought. I don't think he gives as many green lights as Pearl did but if the guys are comfortable pushing it and executing well, he'll let 'em run as long as we have quality depth and Trae is commanding well. The biggest difference I think we'll notice is the complexity of our half court sets. With a half year under his belt and a summer hitting weights, I can't WAIT to see Stokes. I've never been more curious about how a players progressed than seeing him. I don't think Stokes is hyped as much this year if we ran more last year because he clearly wasn't in that type of shape but who knows about this year.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

A big part will be does letting them run some effect the D. If they get back and set he won't have an issue, if us running hurts us getting back hell put an end to it real quick.

Let me be clear, this isn't running we are talking about like with Pearl. This is a few times a game, getting the rebound and pushing it not letting the opposing D get set that's all.

With the huge advantage we have in the post our half court offense should be pretty efficient.

 

[Shaun1985]

Only Roy Williams and Calipari run just as much as Pearls teams lol. The uptempo stuff is fun but I enjoy the half court a lot better!